University of Guam to host PATA Youth Symposium May 2016

Posted on : April 20, 2016

University of Guam to host PATA Youth Symposium May 2016

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BANGKOK, April 20, 2016 — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Human Capital Development Committee will organise a PATA Youth Symposium on the morning of Wednesday May 18, at the University of Guam, Guam, USA. Under the theme ‘Weaving Our Islands’ Tourism Future Together: Protecting culture, enhancing quality of life and generating an environmentally friendly island experience’, the Symposium will commence prior to the PATA Annual Summit 2016 and aims to attract hundreds of young professionals and students from overseas and around the Pacific Islands. The event is being generously hosted by the University of Guam with the support of the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB).

Mr Mario Hardy, PATA CEO said, “The PATA Youth Symposium provides a unique opportunity for students and young professionals to engage and interact with experienced industry professionals on a topic that is extremely relevant today and which will have an enormous impact on the future of tourism. At PATA we are committed to supporting the development of today’s students and young professionals and I would like to express the Association’s sincerest appreciation to the University of Guam and GVB for their support.”

The programme was developed with guidance from Dr Chris Bottrill, Chairman of the PATA Human Capital Development (HCD) Committee and Dean, Faculty of Global and Community Studies, Capilano University. Dr Bottrill noted that ‘climate change is a threat to global well-being but some parts of our planet are feeling the effects more abruptly and with greater intensity than others’

“Pacific Island nations are some of the most significantly affected and we are therefore pleased to be able to address this issue in relation to tourism management through this Youth Symposium at the University of Guam. We recognise the responsibility of the tourism industry to lead responsibly and we look forward to sharing our expertise and learning from each other at the symposium. We anticipate the outcome will be heightened awareness of challenges and robust dialogue about how to protect culture, enhance quality of life, and improve environmental well-being for Guam and other island nations in tourism of the future,” he added.

“We are very fortunate to have leaders from around the region share their international expertise with our young adults during the PATA Annual Summit and Youth Symposium,” said GVB Director of Global Marketing Pilar Laguaña. “The symposium is a great way to have experts and our future tourism leaders engage in topics important to our industry. We look forward to celebrating PATA’s 65th Anniversary on Guam.”

Dr Annette Taijeron Santos, Dean, School of Business and Public Administration, University of Guam, said, “We are excited to be a partner to the 2016 PATA Youth Symposium. Enthusiastically, members of the Tourism Awareness Group, a student organisation within the School of Business and Public Administration invested many hours of planning and coordination to ensure this is a relevant and memorable event.

“The symposium topic speaks to the importance of working together to address issues that are threatening the natural environments of our island nations and territories. Our youth must know, that the islands they will inherit are extremely vulnerable to the consequences that could result from the anticipated climate changes. Collectively, their voices provide a powerful platform to discuss these issues, prioritize their concerns and identify solutions toward achieving sustainable futures for all our islands.”

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for profit association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, comprising 97 government, state and city tourism bodies, 27 international airlines, airports and cruise lines, 63 educational institutions, and hundreds of travel industry companies in Asia Pacific and beyond. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 43 local PATA chapters worldwide. The chapters organise travel industry training and business development events. Their grassroots activism underpins PATA’s membership of the Global Travel Association Coalition (GTAC), which includes ACI, CLIA, IATA, ICAO, WEF, UNWTO and the WTTC. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing, Sydney and London.

ABOUT GUAM
Guam is “Where America’s Day Begins.” As the largest and southernmost island in the Marianas, this unincorporated territory of the United States has a rich 4,000-year-old history and culture based on its indigenous Chamorro people. Guam is about 8 miles wide and 32 miles long, and is located 900 miles north of the equator in the Western Pacific. Commonly referred to as “America in Asia”, Guam is a 3 to 5 hour flight from the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong SAR, and Australia. Its capital city is Hagåtña (formerly Agana).

With pristine beaches, friendly people and wholesome island hospitality, this unique world-class destination has tropical weather conditions year-round. Guam also has a plethora of activities to keep visitors from all over the world entertained since tourism is its top economic driver. From snorkeling, scuba diving, skydiving, golfing, hiking, luxury shopping, international and local cuisine dining, and key cultural and signature events, there is much to do and see on Guam.

ABOUT GUAM VISITORS BUREAU
As Guam’s tourism agency, the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) uses its research, industry, and marketing expertise to develop and implement the island’s strategic tourism marketing plan. GVB is responsible for supporting programs to promote and develop Guam as a safe and satisfying destination for visitors and to derive maximum benefits for the people of Guam. For more information, log on to www.visitguam.com.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF GUAM
The University of Guam is a U.S. accredited, regional Land-Grant institution. It is dedicated to the search for and dissemination of knowledge, wisdom and truth.

The University exists to service its learners and the communities of Guam, Micronesia and the neighboring regions of the Pacific and Asia.

The University prepares learners for life by providing the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes, and abilities through the core curriculum, degree programs, research and outreach.

At the Pacific crosscurrents of the East and West, the University of Guam provides a unique opportunity to acquire indigenous and global knowledge.